Dave has teamed up with top men's magazine, 'Shortlist' to bring you a series of fantastic articles including this interview with the Manchester United star.
I need to win a trophy – at least one a season.
What's your prediction for Sunday's game against Liverpool?
I never make predictions. But I don't go into anything to come second, I'll tell you that. If we can win everything this season, I'll be f*cking delighted. But if we don't, I'll be devastated. I need to win a trophy – at least one a season.
Who are your main threats this season?
It's the same teams: Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea. I'd add Manchester City and, the way Tottenham have started, you can't discount them.
Rio Ferdinand interview taken from this week's Shortlist magazine.
Even though Chelsea are up there in the table, people are saying they're a bit older this season...
Everyone's a little bit older! But Chelsea have got a squad that's been together for a long time and there are a lot of experienced players in that team. Arsenal have been evolving for a couple of years, they're still doing that and they will always be a threat. You don't know what to expect with them. Same with ourselves – now Ronnie [Cristiano Ronaldo] and Carlos have gone.
How badly are you missing Ronaldo?
We've lost 30-odd goals a season. Guaranteed. So I think that's a hole that's got to be filled. But you're seeing the fruits of someone else being given [added] responsibility. Wayne Rooney's handling it so far, so hopefully that'll continue.
Why haven't Man United made any big signings to replace Ronaldo?
I think we can draw on our experience. This club's bigger than any player you've seen. Roy Keane left. How are we going to replace Roy Keane? We've got Michael Carrick. He wasn't a replacement, but we've still been successful in that period. Same with Ronaldo. We're not going to find a replacement for Ronaldo. There's not one on the planet.
What's your take on the Tévez transfer saga? Was it as messy as it looked?
Yeah, it was. I don't know who was right or wrong or what they did. Carlos had always said he wanted to stay at United and then all of a sudden he never signed for the club. Whatever reason it was – the club didn't act quickly enough or he just decided – I don't know.
So what did you make of the billboard that City put up [it featured Tévez and read 'Welcome To Manchester']?
The manager had a few things to say about that. I'll leave his comments out, but he was quite succinct in what he said.
Do you think City represent a new shift in power in the Premier League?
Yeah, they're going to be up there, because the amount of money they've spent is astronomical. But what can you do? It's good for the Premier League, it's good for the TV and it's good for the fans.
Good in what way?
In terms of interest. In terms of people looking at the Premier League and thinking, it's not just four teams now – it's five. The 'Big Five', maybe.
So do you look at City now in the same way you regard Chelsea and Liverpool?
No. They don't deserve to be looked at like that because they've not won anything. Obviously, people are taking notice of them now because of what they've done in the transfer market. They're starting to do it on the pitch, so they're going to be in the top five for the remainder of the season.
Do you worry that Ferguson might retire soon?
I did a couple of years ago, when he was talking about retiring. But not really. Not now. The manager's quite honest with us. If he's thinking about retiring, I think he'd tell us in advance.
Read the rest of this article at Shortlist.com
